§ 53 Mr. Keelingasked the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he will support American efforts to get the service of Japanese bonds resumed; and what information he has about Japanese plans for resuming the service.
§ Sir S. CrippsI am not acquainted with the efforts to which the hon. Member refers, but the rights of the bondholders will be borne in mind in the discussions leading up to the Peace Treaty. As regards the second part of the Question, Press reports suggest that the Japanese Government is properly anxious to resume the service of its external debt; but the 1637 balance of payments position of Japan is such that it is not likely to be possible in the near future.
§ Mr. KeelingMay I thank the Chancellor for this modification of the unhelpful attitude of his predecessor to British holders of these bonds, who, I hope he will agree, are just as patriotic and just as deserving of his support as any other British creditors of a foreign government?
§ Sir S. CrippsThe hon. Member can thank me, but not in those terms.